Senior Major Gift Officer

The University of Southern Mississippi•Hattiesburg, MS

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Major Gift Officer serves as a senior-level fundraiser responsible for developing charitable support for the University through the USM Foundation. This position identifies prospects, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors with a focus on those capable of making principal-level gifts of $100,000 or more in support of University objectives while meeting defined visit and solicitation goals and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, deans, faculty, staff, volunteers and other key stakeholders to achieve those goals. This position independently prioritizes goals set in consultation with supervisors and assists Foundation management in the development and execution of the fundraising plan for the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Sales and/or Marketing, Business or other relevant degree program from an accredited college or university from an accredited college or university and at least five years of development or similar experience at a university or other comparable organization, or equivalent professional experience in communications, strategy, relationship building, project management and/or outside sales.
A valid MS driver’s license is required.
Possesses significant experience and displays sound knowledge of higher education fundraising processes and procedures.
Employees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential and proprietary information of donors and prospects, the Foundation, the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination of employment.
Self-motivated, enthusiastic and accountable for results
Reliable and punctual
Honest and cooperative
Professional and respectful
Organized and able to multitask; skill in managing one’s own time
Results-driven to accomplish individual and team goals and meet deadlines
Ability to work collaboratively across multiple university units
Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence to specifications
Ability to understand, contextualize and organize complex information
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with a diverse group of people in both oral and written forms
Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate concepts, respond to questions, build support and inspire confidence of all audiences and stakeholders
Ability to articulate alignment between university initiatives and organizational strategy
Ability to remain agile in a dynamic workflow
Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from constituents
Ability to work before and after normal business hours, including weekends
Ability to travel or complete overnight stays
Seeks opportunities for professional development
Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances results and team effectiveness
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
Proficient in securing major gift donations and meeting individual metrics
Possesses general knowledge of planned giving
Proven ability to train and develop others

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree from an accredited college or university and/or holder of current Certified Fundraising Executive Certificate.

Responsibilities

Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards alumni and other donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and, if appropriate, solicitation in tandem with others.
Develops and executes effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
Engages deans, University faculty and staff, and others in advancement efforts, as required.
Stewards relationships with existing donors.
Maintains records of visits, solicitations, and cultivation statuses in accordance with system requirements and Foundation protocols.
Records detailed interaction of all visits and prospect management including proposals to prospects and gifts donated to the Foundation.
Independently and successfully manages a portfolio of prospective donors with a focus on principal gift prospects.
Works with Research team to identify new prospects for major and planned gifts to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects.
Ensures all assigned prospects are managed effectively and adjusts strategy as needed.
Works with Communications team to develop individualized proposals for high-level gifts and to properly publicize gifts in accordance with donor preferences.
Works with Donor Engagement team to create individualized stewardship plans for high-level gifts as appropriate.
Meets defined visit, solicitation and gift closure goals.
Exercises and promotes good judgment, discretion in interactions and application of ethics related to development activities.
Proactively stays informed about current events and trends in philanthropy and fundraising.
Mentors Major Gift and Development Officers in their continued development and professional growth.
Assists the Chief Development Officer in the training and guidance of new Development Officers.
Manages an expense budget to optimize utilization of resources to achieve stated goals.
Plans and implements personal travel, as necessary.
Completes expense submittals on a timely basis.
Performs other duties as assigned.